When it comes to my living space, I am a complete neat freak. I hate clutter and I like everything put away in its place (just don’t look behind the closed doors, something might jump out at you. I have to put all our crap stuff somewhere :P ). Because I like things so orderly, I’m not a big fan of pinning things to the fridge. HOWEVER, there are some things that just need to be on there, like the grocery list and the adorable birth announcements and Save-the-Date cards that accumulate each year.
Recently, the collection of magnets on my fridge has really been getting to me and I’ve been looking for something with a little more style. Call it fate if you will, but I was at a craft fair a few weeks back and stumbled upon old buttons that were turned into magnets. I was completely inspired and decided to make some myself.
First, I pulled out my button collection (Correction: It’s actually BOTH my mom’s AND my collection that currently resides at my house. Although, she will tell you that I stole it hehe). There are hundreds of buttons in there and they date back to probably the 1930’s. I love looking at all of the colors and character that each one holds.
Because our kitchen blends into our family room, I choose colors that will go with my new family room design.
Next, I picked up this pack of magnets at my local craft store for a mere $1.99.
Then, I hot glued the magnet directly onto the back of the button.
To add a little variety, I stacked some of the buttons in unique designs. I love how they turned out and they definitely add a new look to the fridge :)
My total cost for the project: $1.99
So here’s my tip. Never throw away those extra buttons that come on your clothes, you never know what you might need them for in the future :)
About Taryn Whiteaker
Taryn Whiteaker is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers) ! Taryn is a previous PR/Marketing professional who got back to her creative roots after becoming a mom and now shares her passion for home decor and design for the world to see. Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and three kids and loves coffee, the outdoors, and exploring with her family.
Jill says
August 12, 2011 at 2:18 pmCan’t go wrong with old buttons!!
Joyce at Quilted Nest says
August 12, 2011 at 7:37 pmI’ve always wanted to do this. They look great – just adorable. Let me know how they hold up or if you have trouble with them coming unglued.
Taryn says
August 15, 2011 at 8:55 pmHi Joyce! So far, they are holding up really well!
Nicole says
August 13, 2011 at 7:43 pmThat is a great idea to save those “extra” buttons you get!! Thanks so much for linking your idea to Thrifty Thursday! :)
Audra says
August 15, 2011 at 4:19 pmWhat a cute idea! I’d love for you to link up at my Tuesday Tutorials Link Party! :)
http://www.thekurtzcorner.com/2011/08/tuesday-tutorials-link-party-no2.html
Haley says
August 17, 2011 at 8:37 pmThese look awesome! I love your button collection too!
Taryn says
August 22, 2011 at 2:56 pmThanks Haley!
Keren Duchan says
August 18, 2011 at 1:49 amVery pretty! I love those unique buttons! Great photos too. You should try posting them on craftgawker if you haven’t already – I once got my project posted and it brought me lots of blog traffic. I am not affiliated in any way BTW.
Taryn says
August 18, 2011 at 7:46 amThanks Keren! I just submitted them :)
gail says
August 18, 2011 at 2:38 pmvery cute! my daughter makes rings out of old buttons. They can be so pretty and distinctive!
great job!
gail
Taryn says
August 22, 2011 at 2:57 pmThanks, Gail! I’ve seen the button rings and I’m itching to try them next :)
Linda says
August 20, 2011 at 12:45 amGreat idea, I’m going to make collections of these to give as Christmas presents.
Taryn says
August 22, 2011 at 2:58 pmThat’s a great idea! I love homemade Christmas gifts, they are so personal and fun to make.
Rachel says
August 22, 2011 at 1:08 amWhat a lovely idea!Very cute and nice!
Taryn says
August 22, 2011 at 2:58 pmThanks, Rachel!
Air Purifiers says
August 22, 2011 at 12:31 pmThese are so pretty! I really like the picture of all the buttons… beautiful!
Lisa says
September 6, 2011 at 12:43 pmWhat a cute idea. I have a few funky old buttons I’ve held onto forever even though I had no idea what I would do with them. This is it!
Jamie B. says
January 22, 2012 at 10:26 amI love these vintage button magnets… What a great idea! I hope you don’t mind, I’ve featured this post on my button crafts round-up hub here:
http://jamiebrock.hubpages.com/hub/Super-Cute-Button-Crafts-Tutorial-Round-Up?done
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Jamie B.
Taryn says
January 22, 2012 at 3:09 pmOf course I don’t mind! Thanks for leaving a note, glad you like them :)
Zsa Zsa says
February 17, 2012 at 7:50 amI used to sew on mismatched buttons on my white shirts.
Connie says
May 22, 2012 at 8:38 pmI am a sucker for anything retor and this are just so hard to pass up. i have already made a stock-pile for Christmas presents this year. Thanks for sharing!
Connie ;)
Connie says
May 22, 2012 at 8:39 pm*retro and *these (I should not be typing with kids at my feet!)
Morena says
November 9, 2012 at 4:34 pmFun idea!